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Where To Get Great Gifts In Orange County

gift shop 610
(credit: Nick_Nick/shutterstock)

Tourists shopping in Orange County will find that selecting a gift to bring home is more than a quick visit to the corner postcard shop. Depending on anyone's travel agenda, you'll find that the OC has a variety of great gift shops for just about every interest. It's worth checking out the stores beyond Downtown Disney (of course this is a hot spot for tourists) to shop at more unique destinations. At these five boutiques you'll find exclusive coastal-inspired giftables including home decor and jewelry, as well as more specific interests like art, surfing and marine life mementos.

Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
(credit: Léo L./yelp)

Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
110 Calle Iglesia
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 388-0313
www.surfingheritage.org

Passionate surfers and oceanic enthusiasts always enjoy a visit to the non-profit center, Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC). With the main mission of preserving, showcasing and promoting surfing's heritage and culture, Surfing Heritage offers visitors a chance to appreciate the sport and lifestyle through exhibits (including surfboards from the personal collection of local surfer John Mazza) and a gift shop. Shoppers will find a unique collection of movie posters, magazines and prints featuring both current and historical photographs of surfers such as Tom Blake circa 1930 in Hawaii. Books highlighting surfing and its history are available as well as the ultimate in logo (SHACC) T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Alien She_orange county museum of art
(credit: OC Museum of Art)

Orange County Museum of Art
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 759-1122
www.ocma.net

Orange County visitors have the unique opportunity to view and ponder modern and contemporary art at the Orange County Museum of Art. After a day of perusing more than 2,500 objects of art (with a high concentration of art from early 20th century California), walking into the museum's acclaimed gift shop is inspiring. A reflection of the Orange County Museum of Art, the gift shop showcases beautiful pieces created by local and international artists. Shoppers will find limited edition art and books, home items, original screen prints, jewelry and toys. Guests will definitely find a souvenir to take home to remember their time spent at the art museum.

Juxtaposition Home
(credit: Jacques/yelp)

Juxtaposition Home
Crystal Cove Shopping Center
7976 East Coast Highway
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 715-1181
www.juxtaposition.com

At Juxtaposition Home, husband-wife team Mario Santos and Michele Graham offer a curated collection of lifestyle giftables inspired by “things and objects that make people happy.” The store itself overlooks the Pacific Ocean, which is a lovely place for guests to visit, shop and get creative. A longstanding Newport Beach favored boutique, Juxtaposition has vintage art including painted portraits and landscapes, antique maps (the state of California), sculptures, interesting garden pieces, beachy tunics and sundresses, sandals, sarongs, tote and market bags and much more.

Related: Best Stores For Swimsuits In OC

Dana Point photo Ocean Institute
(credit: Ocean Institute)

Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: (949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org

Take home a memento from your experience at the Ocean Institute, which welcomes guests to learn about marine science, maritime history and even whale watching. Families are always so excited to visit the Ocean Institute for its hands on and year-round learning atmosphere and fun programs such as Toshiba Tall Ships Festival and Festival of Whales. Kids can't wait to hit the gift shop at the Ocean Institute -- The Laurena G. Chambers Gallery and Gift Store. Of course, parents will seek out the latest educational items including ocean-themed books and puzzles, and the kids go straight to the toys, which are maritime-themed. Coastal inspired jewelry, apparel and home decor also keep the adults interested.

newport clony company
(credit: Yasaman J./yelp)

The Newport Colony Company
Fashion Island Shopping Center
1129 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 706-0101

Be tourist or local, The Newport Colony Company is a favorite gift boutique (The Laguna Colony Company store in Laguna Beach is its sister store). Located in Fashion Island shopping center, the luxury mall with an ocean view, The Newport Colony Company is brilliant destination for one-of-a-kind gifts and take home keepsakes. Home décor, bath products like lotions and soaps and scented candles and room diffusers are beach-themed here. The store also features jewelry pieces handcrafted by local artisans as well as well-known designers including Sophia & Chloe, Energy Muse and Baroni. Newport Colony Company also has a Newport Colony Baby and Paperie shop in Fashion Island as well, for children's merchandise.
Related:  Best Places For Baby Shower Gifts In OC

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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